Contractor-Related Factors and Performance of Bridge Construction Projects Implemented by Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) Kenya

The performance of bridge projects in Kenya is poor in terms of completion by schedule, cost, and quality (scope). Yet, there is less evidence of empirical research on what factors contribute to this outcome. This study aimed to bridge this gap by examining the effects of contractor-related factors on the performance of bridge construction projects in Kenya through a case study of the Bridge projects Implemented by the Kenya National Highway Agency (KeNHA). The theory of constraints (TOC) was adopted as its theoretical framework. Descriptive research was used, and the target population was 18 bridge construction projects, which were the units of analysis from 2012 to 2022. In each of these projects, 18 respondents, namely clients, consultants, contractors, engineers, environment and social guards, project managers, stakeholders, subcontractors, technical advisors, and inspectors, were included in a target population of 144 respondents. A census was conducted and a structured questionnaire was administered from which a response rate of 68% was achieved. The information was analyzed using descriptive, correlation, and multiple linear regression analysis. The contractor-related factors considered in the study were staff and management factors. The findings indicated that staff and management factors had a positive and significant outcome on performance of bridge construction projects. The study recommends continuous training and a safe learning environment for staff to improve their skills and performance in future projects. The study also recommends that a special category for bridge contractors be created in Kenya’s National Construction Authority rankings to ensure that only qualified contractors implement the Bridge projects.

Multi-Criteria Wildfire Risk Hazard Assessment in GIS Environment: Projection for the Future and Impact on RES Projects Installation Planning

It is alarming for the fact that Wildfires number, severity and consequently impact have significantly increased during the last years, an aftermath of the Climate Change. One of the most affected areas worldwide is Mediterranean, due to the unique combination of its type of vegetation and demanding climatic conditions. This research is focused on the Region of Epirus in Greece, an area with significant natural vegetation and a range of geomorphological aspects. In order to estimate the Wildfire Risk Hazard, several factors have been used: geomorphological (slope, aspect, elevation, TWI, Hydrographic network), social (Settlements and landfils, roads, overhead lines and substations), environmental (land cover) and climatic (Fire Weather Index). Through a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) and an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) in a GIS environment, the Wildfire Risk Hazard has been estimated not only for current conditions but also for future projections for the near future (2031-2060) and the far future (2071-2100). The selected case study includes the potential impact of the Wildfires to the installed (or targeted to be installed) RES projects in the studied region.

A Review on Determinants Affecting Commercialization of Academic Institution Final Year Projects

Final year project is an important training and assessment component incorporated in many courses of academic institution.The ability to translate ideas,research,and creativity into actual products,services,or businesses shows how successful and impactful people or institutions can be in the wider economy.However,in most of the cases,the outcomes of the final year project usually remain as academic discussion without maximizing their potential to be converted into a commercialized product or services.In this review,theory and applications are discussed to understand how entrepreneurial skills and networking abilities,components of individuals’human capital can impact the commercialisation of final year projects.Furthermore,determinants affecting commercialization of final year projects will also be explored namely:entrepreneurial skills,networking ability,access to resources,institutional support as well as creativity and innovation.

Exploration of the Maturity Evaluation of College Students’Innovation and Entrepreneurship Projects Based on Computer Database Technology

The college innovation and entrepreneurship program is a powerful means to enhance students’innovation and entrepreneurship skills.Evaluating the maturity of innovation and entrepreneurship projects can stimulate students’enthusiasm and initiative to participate.Utilizing computer database technology for maturity evaluation can make the process more efficient,accurate,and convenient,aligning with the needs of the information age.Exploring strategies for applying computer database technology in the maturity evaluation of innovation and entrepreneurship projects offers valuable insights and directions for developing these projects,while also providing strong support for enhancing students’innovation and entrepreneurship abilities.

Financial Calculation Problems and Countermeasure Analysis of Large-Scale Engineering Construction Projects

The financial aspects of large-scale engineering construction projects profoundly influence their success.Strengthening cost control and establishing a scientific financial evaluation system can enhance the project’s economic benefits,minimize unnecessary costs,and provide decision-makers with a robust financial foundation.Additionally,implementing an effective cash flow control mechanism and conducting a comprehensive assessment of potential project risks can ensure financial stability and mitigate the risk of fund shortages.Developing a practical and feasible fundraising plan,along with stringent fund management practices,can prevent fund wastage and optimize fund utilization efficiency.These measures not only facilitate smooth project progression and improve project management efficiency but also enhance the project’s economic and social outcomes.

Trust beyond Technology Algorithms: A Theoretical Exploration of Consumer Trust and Behavior in Technological Consumption and AI Projects

In an era dominated by artificial intelligence (AI), establishing customer confidence is crucial for the integration and acceptance of AI technologies. This interdisciplinary study examines factors influencing customer trust in AI systems through a mixed-methods approach, blending quantitative analysis with qualitative insights to create a comprehensive conceptual framework. Quantitatively, the study analyzes responses from 1248 participants using structural equation modeling (SEM), exploring interactions between technological factors like perceived usefulness and transparency, psychological factors including perceived risk and domain expertise, and organizational factors such as leadership support and ethical accountability. The results confirm the model, showing significant impacts of these factors on consumer trust and AI adoption attitudes. Qualitatively, the study includes 35 semi-structured interviews and five case studies, providing deeper insight into the dynamics shaping trust. Key themes identified include the necessity of explainability, domain competence, corporate culture, and stakeholder engagement in fostering trust. The qualitative findings complement the quantitative data, highlighting the complex interplay between technology capabilities, human perceptions, and organizational practices in establishing trust in AI. By integrating these findings, the study proposes a novel conceptual model that elucidates how various elements collectively influence consumer trust in AI. This model not only advances theoretical understanding but also offers practical implications for businesses and policymakers. The research contributes to the discourse on trust creation and decision-making in technology, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary efforts to address societal challenges associated with technological advancements. It lays the groundwork for future research, including longitudinal, cross-cultural, and industry-specific studies, to further explore consumer trust in AI.

Research on Intelligent Cost Estimation of Engineering Foundation Projects Based on CSIs Theory

Against the backdrop of rapid development in China’s construction and infrastructure sectors,discrepancies between project budgets and actual costs have become pronounced,manifesting in project overruns and suspensions,posing significant challenges.To address inaccuracies in investment targets and operational complexities,this study focuses on a beam-bridge construction project in a district of Shijiazhuang city as a case study.Drawing upon historical analogs,the project employs a Work Breakdown Structure(WBS)to decompose the engineering works.Building on theories of Cost Significant(CS)and Whole Life Costing(WLC),the study constructs Cost Significant Items(CSIs)and develops a CNN-BiLSTM-Attention neural network for nonlinear prediction.By identifying significant cost drivers in engineering projects,this paper presents a streamlined cost estimation method that significantly reduces computational burdens,simplifies data collection processes,and optimizes data analysis and forecasting,thereby enhancing prediction accuracy.Finally,validation with real-world cost fluctuation data demonstrates minor errors,meeting predictive requirements across project execution phases.

Construction Safety Management of Mechanical and Electrical Installation Projects

Various industries today rely on the support of electromechanical equipment,expanding its scope of application and leading to an increase in electromechanical installation projects.However,due to the high level of expertise required and the potential risks involved,it is crucial to emphasize safety management during construction.This paper delves into the significance of construction safety management for electromechanical installation projects,identifies common problems encountered during construction,and proposes solutions.This analysis aims to provide relevant personnel with essential guidance and references for managing electromechanical installation projects safely.

Design of Aided Decision-Making Program for Prioritizing Construction Projects in Urban Road Network Planning

The importance and complexity of prioritizing construction projects (PCP) in urban road network planning lead to the necessity to develop an aided decision making program (ADMP). Cost benefit ratio model and stage rolled method are chosen as the theoretical foundations of the program, and then benefit model is improved to accord with the actuality of urban traffic in China. Consequently, program flows, module functions and data structures are designed, and particularly an original data structure of road ...

价值体系导向的吉林省“156项工程”工业建筑遗产构成解析

中华人民共和国成立初期的“156项工程”是中国现代工业的开端,见证了中国工业建设的发展历程,其现存的工业遗产资源具有重要的价值。以吉林省“156项工程”工业建筑遗产为研究对象,通过文献资料梳理和调研考察成果,摸清发展历程、建设概况、空间布局和工业遗产的保存现状及使用情况,将工业建筑遗产构成划分为三大类型,探究吉林省“156项工程”工业遗产的构成特征,基于遗产载体的历史价值、社会价值、文化艺术价值和技术援助等,挖掘其核心价值导向,探寻工业建筑遗产升级更新方式,以期为“一五”时期工业建筑遗产的保护再利用和遗产构成研究提供借鉴。

跨越发展陷阱--156项工程对中国汽车工业的深远影响

汽车工业是现代工业的重要拼图,有赖于完整工业体系的加持。发展中国家在追求现代化的过程中,发展本国的汽车工业注定充满着危机与陷阱。从中国70多年的汽车工业发展过程来看,得益于156项工程奠定的完整工业体系的同时,中国汽车工业还相继跨越了低水平发展陷阱、合资合作相对比较优势陷阱以及新世纪发展新能源汽车的高水平约束陷阱,从而取得了令人瞩目的发展成就。在承接产业梯度转移以及有效参与国际分工过程中,中国汽车工业越过跟跑、并跑阶段并蓄势向领跑的角色变换,这种局面的出现离不开“一五”时期发展汽车工业时相关政策的影响。诸如政府主导、产业规划先行、集中力量办大事、合理利用外援以及注重自主创新,随后在融入国际市场中也实现了有为政府与有效市场的结合。中国汽车行业的成功经验和曲折发展历程能够为后发国家发展汽车工业提供镜鉴。

156项工程与新中国地区工业集聚——基于产业关联的视角与证据

本文从产业关联的角度实证考察新中国成立之初156项工程对地区工业集聚的影响。我们利用工业普查微观数据和地级市层面经济社会数据,研究了1949—1975年期间156项工程对所在地区的关联企业进入的影响。分析结果表明,156项工程建设地区的工业企业进入数显著多于其他地区;而且,在投入产出关系上距离156项工程行业较近行业的工业企业进入数显著多于较远行业,156项工程的产品分配端行业工业企业进入数要显著多于原料投入端行业。这些产业关联效应集中在156项工程建设完成之后而不是建设中。本文还发现,在改革开放之后,尤其是随着乡镇企业大发展和市场化改革加速,156项工程对工业企业进入仍然发挥产业关联和空间集聚的促进作用。为应对实证分析中可能的内生性问题,本文基于战争威胁构造了工具变量,进一步识别因果效应。本文还利用一些156项工程因战争威胁而改变项目建设地区,比较实际建设地区与计划建设地区在企业进入和产业关联上的差异,发现156项工程的工业扩张和产业关联效应更多发生在实际建设地区。这些结果说明,156项工程显著促进了地区工业的产业延伸与空间集聚,为新中国的工业体系建立和发展的具体路径提供了重要经验证据。

利用项目学习方式培养中小学生的21世纪技能——ThinkQuest Projects全球竞赛及获奖案例评析

项目学习是被公认的最有效的反映素质教育的教学方式之一,但如何开展项目学习才能有效地培养学生的21世纪技能,则是需要认真研究的问题。分析了ThinkQuest Projects全球竞赛的获奖案例,以期为教师深入理解和继续开展项目学习提供一定的思路和经验。

工业建筑遗产的时代性与功能性特征解读——以哈尔滨市“156项工程”为例

工业建筑遗产的时代性与功能性特征是理解和评价工业遗产价值的重要依据。通过对哈尔滨市“156项工程”的资料整理及工业遗产现状进行调研分析,结合建筑总体布局、装饰样式等内容,针对中国现代化工业建设初期工业建筑遗产的时代性与功能性特征进行分析与解读,挖掘工业建筑遗产价值和特征;旨在通过对哈尔滨市“156项工程”工业遗产进行综合分析,探讨其时代背景、设计理念、建筑特点及后续功能转变与再利用的可能性,以此示例证明工业建筑遗产保护与活化的重要性和可行性。

Modeling and Analysis of Mechanization Projects of Wheat Production by GERT Networks

In crop production systems,all operations such as seed bed preparation,etc.,must be accomplished on time,if yield reduction and low quality product are to be avoided.Therefore all operations in mechanized cropping projects require precise scheduling,planning and management.The basic approach in all scheduling techniques is to form a network of activities and events relationships that graphically portrays the sequential relations between the tasks in a project.Such a network would as a powerful tool available a farm manager to plan,schedule,monitor and control a project.Since GERT（Graphical Evaluation and Review Technique） networks have most of advantages associated with networks and available system analyst in exact evaluation of certain types of networks,in this research it was used and mechanized wheat production system was simulated,modeled and analyzed.Critical activities,events and path were determined.Results showed that the network model was able to answer any statistic questions concerning with the project.Network models,particularly GERT networks are increasingly powerful tool for modeling,scheduling,planning,controlling,and analyzing of agricultural mechanization projects.

Application of system dynamics for assessment of sustainable performance of construction projects

Sustainable performance is expected to become a major factor when examining the feasibility of a construction project in terms of its life cycle performance. The study on which this paper is based developed a simulation model, using system dy- namics methodology, to assess the sustainable performance of projects. Three major factors are used to examine project sus- tainable performance (PSP): the sustainability of economic development (E), the sustainability of social development (S), and the sustainability of environmental development (En). Sustainable development ability (SDA) was used as a prototype to evaluate the degree of sustainable performance. The simulation software ‘ithink’ was used to help with the application of the model to a real life case. This paper explains and demonstrates the procedures used to develop the model and finally offers an approach for assessing the feasibility of a construction project in terms of its sustainable performance.

Joint optimization scheduling for water conservancy projects incomplex river networks

In this study, we simulated water flow in a water conservancy project consisting of various hydraulic structures, such as sluices, pumping stations, hydropower stations, ship locks, and culverts, and developed a multi-period and multi-variable joint optimization scheduling model for flood control, drainage, and irrigation. In this model, the number of sluice holes, pump units, and hydropower station units to be opened were used as decision variables, and different optimization objectives and constraints were considered. This model was solved with improved genetic algorithms and verified using the Huaian Water Conservancy Project as an example. The results show that the use of the joint optimization scheduling led to a 10% increase in the power generation capacity and a 15% reduction in the total energy consumption. The change in the water level was reduced by 0.25 m upstream of the Yundong Sluice, and by 50% downstream of pumping stations No. 1, No. 2, and No. 4. It is clear that the joint optimization scheduling proposed in this study can effectively improve power generation capacity of the project, minimize operating costs and energy consumption, and enable more stable operation of various hydraulic structures. The results may provide references for the management of water conservancy projects in complex river networks.

Ranking environmental projects model based on multicriteria decision-making and the weight sensitivity analysis

With the fast growth of Chinese economic, more and more capital will be invested in environmental projects. How to select the environmental investment projects （alternatives） for obtaining the best environmental quality and economic benefits is an important problem for the decision makers. The purpose of this paper is to develop a decision-making model to rank a finite number of alternatives with several and sometimes conflicting criteria. A model for ranking the projects of municipal sewage treatment plants is proposed by using exports＇ information and the data of the real projects. And, the ranking result is given based on the PROMETHEE method. Furthermore, by means of the concept of the weight stability intervals （WSI）, the sensitivity of the ranking results to the size of criteria values and the change of weights value of criteria are discussed. The result shows that some criteria, such as “proportion of benefit to project cost”, will influence the ranking result of alternatives very strong while others not. The influence are not only from the value of criterion but also from the changing the weight of criterion. So, some criteria such as “proportion of benefit to project cost” are key critera for ranking the projects. Decision makers must be cautious to them.

Differentiation degree combination weighting method for investment decision-making risk assessment in power grid construction projects

Power grid construction projects are distinguished by their wide variety,high investment,long payback period,and close relation to national development and human welfare.To improve the investment accuracy in such projects and effectively prevent investment risks,this paper proposes an investment optimization decision-making method for multiple power grid construction projects under a certain investment scale.Firstly,an in-depth analysis of the characteristics and development requirements of China’s power grid projects was performed.Thereafter,the time sequence and holographic method was adopted to conduct multi-dimensional,multi-perspective risk assessment of different parts of power grid projects,and a holographic risk assessment index system was developed.Moreover,an investment decision model considering the comprehensive risk based on combination weighting was developed according to the output and input of power grid construction projects.A new combination weighting optimization method that takes into account the investment willingness of enterprises was designed to improve the current weighting evaluation methods.Finally,the validity and applicability of the proposed evaluation method were verified by case examples.

Evaluation index system for positive operation of water conservancy projects

The conditions for the positive operation of water conservancy projects are described in this paper. A scientific and effective evaluation index system was established based on frequency analysis, theoretical analysis, and expert consultation. This evaluation index system can be divided into six first-level indices： the degree to which facilities are intact and functionality standards are reached, the status of operation and management funds, the rationality and degree of advancement of the management team structure, the adaptability and rationality of the water conservancy project management system, the degree of automatization and informationization of the management techniques, and the conduciveness of the exterior environment. The weights for evaluation indices were obtained through the analytic hierarchy process method with consideration of the difference between public welfare and profit-oriented water conservancy projects. This study provides a scientific method for evaluating the positive operation of water conservancy projects.